The emperor's birthday is approaching.

This is a major event in the world.

The powerful officials in the court, as well as the local government, are often collecting treasures, such as paintings and ink treasures, magical weapons, strange stones and jade, rare medicines, exotic birds and animals, etc.

Or the gift given was just what the emperor wanted, and he was rewarded, or even promoted to an official position, so he burned high-quality incense.

Even if the gift is not in the eyes of the emperor, it is still done with sincerity, not seeking merit, but seeking no fault.

As a court official, if you don't express anything about the emperor's birthday, even if the emperor doesn't care, political opponents in the officialdom may not turn a blind eye. They will definitely make a big fuss. If they are accused of contempt for the emperor, they will lose their hat and lose their heads.

It may not be guaranteed.

Up here, even for court officials, the water was very deep.

But for ordinary merchants outside the capital, it does not have much impact.

Some businessmen in the capital may have to worry a lot more.

As for the merchants in the Sixteenth Prefecture of Huai'an, they didn't go up to Tianting. Even if they wanted to offer gifts to the emperor, they had no way to do so.

Including Zhuang Ming, no one was qualified to meet the emperor or offer gifts to the emperor.

Although there are always many wealthy gentry families trying to find ways to offer heavy gifts to the emperor every year, at least these businessmen present have never thought of it.

However, in the past, I had no intention of giving gifts because I had no way to do so.

If it could really be a gift to the emperor, that would be another matter.

If a heavy gift is eye-catching enough, and the emperor remembers the name of the person who presented it, and even mentions that the ancestors burned high-quality incense, it may be regarded as paving a lot of roads.

Even if he is not remembered by the emperor, it is extremely rare to be able to send gifts to the palace.

In the future, whether it is used as a source of bragging or as a reputation in business, it will be enough to satisfy people.

But more importantly, the preferential treatment from the local government.

"this……"

King Chen hesitated.

At this moment, another person hurriedly stepped forward and saluted: "Your Majesty, in this little man's house, there is a sword with a handle that can cut iron like clay. However, this little man cannot practice martial arts and the sword is covered with dust. I would like to pass this sword down to my family."

, consecrate it to Your Majesty."

When King Chen heard the words, he seemed helpless, and then he smiled and said: "Well, since you have intentions, I can't ignore your good intentions. When I come to Beijing for my birthday, I will give you a ride."

After saying this, he simply waved his hand and said: "Since this precedent has been set, I will not be stingy. If there are still people who want to offer a gift to the Holy One, you can also say so directly. I will also record your name and send it to you."

Royal Palace.”

Just as he finished speaking, another person spoke up.

"I have a piece of beautiful jade, and I would like to offer it as a gift to the Emperor."

"The old man also has a treasured manuscript. It is rumored that it was left by the calligrapher of the previous dynasty, and the words written by his pen are like gods."

"Little man, there is a strange medicine here. Not long ago, I bought it at a high price. It is extremely rare."

…

One after another, someone made a sound.

But some people were silent and hesitant.

Among them were Zhuang Ming and Mr. Li.

How can it be so easy to send gifts to the palace and win the emperor's attention?

What's more, they are just businessmen, and naturally they are inconspicuous among the countless lists of courtiers, local officials, celebrities and elegant people.

Not to mention that I can't give gifts, but I can give gifts, so what?

The emperor will not remember them at all.

After giving gifts, they are still private merchants. When something happens in the future, they will also be unable to meet the Holy One or go up to heaven to hear them.

If there was only one person in Huai'an who could offer gifts to the emperor, then he would naturally have a great reputation and be a talkative person in Huai'an. Even the major officials of the Sixteenth House of Huai'an would treat him differently.

But everyone is giving gifts, so what’s so special about our own family?

The most important thing is that many people vaguely understand it.

This gift may not go to the palace.

Maybe it just went into King Chen's treasury.

"Young Master." Xue Qing was also a smart person. He lowered his body and lowered his voice, saying: "This matter..."

"You see?" Zhuang Ming chuckled and said, "Do you think that those who are vying to give gifts at this time are all stupid people who have been deceived?"

"This..." Xue Qing did have some such thoughts, but after hearing what Zhuang Ming said, he suddenly understood and vaguely understood.

"Some people are really not very smart. They think that this gift is to be given to the emperor through King Chen, and being able to give a gift to the emperor is simply a blessing for three lifetimes, and even honors the ancestors." Zhuang Ming paused and said: "But

Some people have already seen that they are not presenting gifts to the emperor, but to Prince Chen."

"Why..." Xue Qing hesitated slightly.

"This is what King Chen has said. Anyone who does not offer a gift is disrespectful to the emperor and despises the imperial power."

Zhuang Ming said with a smile: "Although the gifts may not be given to the emperor, they are at least given to Prince Chen... Those who see the clues and are still hesitating are not actually smart. Those who see the clues and immediately give them

The wise ones are those who speak out."

With King Chen's character, those merchants who would come later would most likely be remembered by him and wear small shoes in the future.

Those who are ready to give gifts will be favored by King Chen a little more. Although it is not possible to say that they will receive preferential treatment in the future, at least he will not dislike them.

Even the people who spoke out first would leave an impression on King Chen first.

In the future, when he seeks help from the government for help, King Chen will probably be able to determine that this group of people is relatively knowledgeable.

As long as King Chen has a solid foundation and everyone knows it, it will be much easier for them to spend money to find ways in the future.

"I see..." Xue Qing smiled bitterly: "I didn't expect that in the blink of an eye, many people would think of this level?"

"There are always a lot of smart people in the Sixteenth Prefecture of Huai'an, and there are many businessmen and profiteers." Zhuang Ming chuckled and said: "When I was dealing with them, it was also a headache. I thought about it day and night, thinking back and forth, for fear of being exposed.

What, thus losing."

"Young Master has no plans left, I don't know how much better than they are."

Xue Qing hurriedly responded.

Zhuang Ming just laughed and slowly looked upward.

Mr. Li has also spoken and wants to present an ancient artifact, which is an ancient porcelain vase from eight hundred years ago.

King Chen was quite satisfied and looked at Zhuang Ming again.

Zhuang Ming knew in his heart that if he didn't speak again, he might be charged with disrespecting the emperor.

"Zhuang also has a treasure, please take it with me and present it to the emperor."

Zhuang Ming spoke slowly and gave a slight salute.

King Chen looked over and exhaled, feeling a little regretful.

He originally wanted to take the opportunity to attack and ask Zhuang's Trading Company, as the largest trading firm in Huai'an, why there was no comment at all and whether it felt that the emperor's birthday was unnecessary?

But Zhuang Ming spoke first and was ready to give a gift.

"Brother Zhuang Ming."

King Chen said with a smile: "Your Zhuang's Trading Company has the most extensive business and the largest scale. You are respected as the richest man in the Sixteenth House of Huai'an. I wonder what kind of treasures you have given?"

This statement has another profound meaning.

Among those present, in terms of financial resources, Zhuang Ming was indeed the strongest.

The implication of King Chen's words is that the treasure he, Zhuang Ming, took out must surpass everyone present in order to be worthy of his identity.

"Zhuang is frail and has collected many rare medicinal materials. He also loves antiques and has also collected many calligraphy treasures, Taoist and Buddhist scriptures, and ancient vases."

Zhuang Ming said calmly: "And what I want to offer this time is..."

Before his voice fell, his heart suddenly palpitated.

This is a throbbing that comes from instinct.

But the source of the throbbing does not lie in other people's bodies.

But it lies in the body of the young dragon.

Just when Zhuang Ming turned pale.

The sound of countless horse hooves could be heard outside.

Someone else reported loudly and loudly.
Chapter completed!